That Hilarious Kid

Cassidy loves life. She squeezes joy out of every single second and is tickled with each delicious moment that comes her way.

Today this marvellous child turned 8 and so, even more than the norm, she skipped and hopped and giggled through each surprise and experience that unfolded. It just made us want to do more to make that smile of hers appear...and because very little embarrasses her when it has to do with fun and celebration, she throws herself wholeheartedly into enjoying it all.

From the huge grin at being served breakfast in bed (her gourmet menu? a pop tart, bacon, bananas and orange juice) to a shy smile when the whole club sang Happy Birthday to her during gymnastics, to wearing moose antlers on her head at her favourite Montana's restaurant, it is all happy time for Miz C.

Each gift is a moment to be treasured no matter what it is ... and do NOT rush her over the cards because she likes to read every word...

Special greetings and presents from her aunt, uncle and cousin Sophie were an extra treat, as was the cool present of a lap-desk for beds, cars and the couch (Bryanna scored one too, a week before her own big day!)

And did you notice the fashion spectacles? Those were a gift from Brya and she adores them - which says something very telling about how well her big sister knows her.

Happy Birthday, Cass, we love you!!!!

New Wheels, New Digs

February 11th was not a good day for our mom this year as you might remember...

Since then, mom has had lots of therapy, has travelled all over China with our family and friends, recovered from a bad bronchial infection (which dad decided to join in on just to keep her company), and finally mom is starting to feel a return of wellness in many areas.

This week was another giant step forward. From simply admiring friend Shauna's Nissan Versa on Easter weekend, mom and dad went shopping, test-driving and ended up buying one of their own this week!

Metallic Ice...Nice!

Not to be outdone, this Thompson trio went house shopping.

Nope, not that kind. The tent kind.

Having squeezed ourselves into what was basically no more than a pup tent last Summer, we expanded to an 8 man tent with wings that can be curtained off into 3 rooms.

We "test drove" it today too, and despite some gusty winds, we were successful in raising the roof. Now we're just looking forward to some hot, dry weather this Summer to try it out.

Fun times await!

Easter Ramblings

What, you may ask, does this photo of my sister and I standing on top of The Peak in Hong Kong have to do with Easter? Get back to you on that in a minute.

This was Holy Week, when the Christian faith is celebrating and standing in wonder of the absolute love God holds for us...as we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. The girls and I were at three different services this week, celebrating with friends and our St. Matthew's Church community, the joyousness of this wondrous event.

It was also at time for family and friends to come together and we were delighted that Shauna and MacLean could spend a fun weekend with us when they could not be with their family this holiday. The three girls loved their Easter baskets, hunting for eggs, and having an hilarious time with MacLean's cutie-patootie puppy, Scout.

After an uplifiting service at St. Matt's this morning, we basked in the sun in our backyard for a bit, and then joined mom and dad for a meal at the Aberfoyle Mill - delish! as Shauna would say.

Now back to the top photo...

Joyously, Kim, Damian and Sophie were with us in China just 2 weeks ago, and together with our parents and friends, we experienced a glorious 15 days exploring the country of my daughters' birth. Ironically though, that amazing adventure meant that an Easter trip home to Canada was out for Kim this year - and as with all special days, it is now that we miss Kim and her family the most.

As has happened before, Kim and I were on a similar wavelength today and she also posted about being away from this family while my own post was still in draft form.

I guess all those who are fortunate enough to have lived and grown up surrounded by family love will always feel that intense tug when we're not together, even when we have just left each others' company. That just won't change, and truth be told, we would never want it to.

So I went delving into Kim and Damian's China photos and filched a few (that top one from Damian's super camera) and the following three from my sister's. Brings those three loved people right in front of me...until this Summer when we'll be together again.

xoxoxo

Summertime in Spring!

Don't you love that first day each year when the weather is so mild that you can't toss the sweaters and jackets fast enough?

Friday and Saturday of Easter weekend have been like that, and with many others we pulled on the t-shirts and capris and headed outdoors. Even more exciting, though, was discovering that one of those mini-carnivals had set up shop in a cinema parking lot near our home.

Sweet... that carnival music and the scent of candy floss on the air.... the girls laughed out loud on the rides and delighted in some sweet treats as we all celebrated the little taste of Summer come early.

And, of course, a visit from a puppy makes the sun shine even brighter!

(More on our Easter celebrations in another post.)

Snowy catch-up

I was about to add a warm and summery post when I realized I needed to finish off our Winter!

Just before we went to China on March 6th, Mississauga received one of its only snowstorms of the season. The girls were in serious tobogganing withdrawal after a snow-deprived Winter season, so we grabbed our saucers and spent a little time at the hill nearest our home.

Despite the quickly melting conditions, the girls had a great afternoon!

Goodbye, Winter!

Playing...

While the girls had fun skating with our friends on Saturday (and the moms had our own fun catching up, exchanging mom wisdom, offering support in all the areas of our busy lives), I played with my new camera.

It was an odd day...cloudy, dark but as we spent the afternoon on the pond, brilliant blue sky began to appear. As I tried out the camera's different settings, I was happy with many of the results (as my sister says, take a hundred shots, get 5 or 6 great ones).

Here are some of my favourites...

More practising needed but I think this camera is going to allow for some great photos on our upcoming adventure to China.

For more pictures and commentary of our fun day with friends, see Shauna's blog here.

Celebrations

Wow! The Olympics are ON!

Not sure why, but this is the year I am REALLY into them...maybe because I feel so much thankfulness for EVERYTHING after mom's close call this week...

So, we stayed up for the opening ceremonies on Friday...well, Bryanna called it a night at 10:15 but Cassidy was determined to see the lighting of the cauldron and made right through till the end! Well, other than shutting her eyes every now and then (okay, during the speeches)...

We loved the technical pieces with light and images and flying the best!

Then yesterday, we headed out to the Mandarin to celebrate Chinese New Year a little early and had a WONDERFUL evening. The renovated restaurant near our house is lovely...

...Bryanna can still wear the silk outfit purchased on our last trip to China...

Cassidy pulled out the chopsticks and dug right in to rice and crab salad...

It was just a wonderful celebration...

...with those we love.

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

On our knees...

Just over a week ago, my parents' car was stolen. A couple of days later the police found it with little damage. Repaired and returned this week.

Today, my wonderful mother was driving that same car when another vehicle hit her and sent her off the road and into a tree.

Airbag deployed. Windows shattered. Car totaled.

My mom? A slightly swollen nose and knuckles, and bruising on her chest from the airbag.

When I reached the hospital after receiving the call (and having left the girls with good friends) I found my resilient, strong irish mother lying on an ER bed with a big smile (and her feet hanging over the side of the mattress so she wouldn't dirty the linen with her shoes).

I love her completely.

And I am thanking God every moment for protecting her and returning her safely to our arms.

Amen.